Position control on bottom layers with image processing

Abstract

A method for the attachment or introduction of valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings in the correct position on or in components of tube pieces has several process steps. The steps include (a) recording of images of the components of several tube pieces with attached or introduced valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings, (b) determining the positions of the valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings relative to a reference point of the components of the tube pieces, (c) calculating the deviation of the determined position from the target position and (d) changing the positions of the valve or cover sheets and components of the tube pieces by a value that follows from the calculated deviation.

1. A method for attachment or introduction of valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings in a correct position on or in components of tube pieces, said method comprising the following process steps:
 (a) recording of images of the components of tube pieces with the attached or introduced valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings; 
 (b) determining positions of the valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings relative to a reference position of the components of the tube pieces; 
 (c) calculating a deviation of the determined positions from the reference positions, the calculated deviation being based on a number of the tube pieces conveyed during one revolution of a transport belt that transports the tube pieces; and 
 (d) changing the positions of the valve or cover sheets and components of the tube pieces by a value based on the calculated deviation. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the value that is based on the calculated deviation is determined by calculating an average deviation of the determined positions from the reference positions over several determined positions. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the value that is based on the calculated deviations is determined from a function that describes the deviations of the determined positions from the reference positions as a function of time. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the function is a periodic function. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the positions of the valve or cover sheets and the components of the tube pieces are determined by at least one camera. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the change in position occurs through a motorized differential adjustment. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein determining the value that is based on the calculated deviation is conducted by a computer and control unit. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the computer and control unit calculates at least one of an average deviation and a function that describes the deviations of the determined positions from the reference position as a function of time. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the change in position occurs through a motorized differential adjustment and wherein the computer and control unit sends control signals to the differential adjustment. 
     
     
       10. A device for positioning of units for attachment or introduction of valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings on components of tube pieces, said device comprising:
 a device to record images of the valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings and components of the tube pieces; 
 an evaluation and computer unit to determine relative positions of the valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings and/or embossings relative to the components of the tube pieces, and to calculate the relative position from several relative positions or to determine a deviation function, the deviation being based on a number of the tube pieces conveyed during one revolution of a transport belt that transports the tube pieces; 
 a memory unit with which reference positions can be stored; and 
 a device for adjustment of the relative positions. 
 
     
     
       11. The device according to  claim 10 , further comprising a control unit which obtains from the computer unit a difference in average relative position and reference relative position and with which the device is supplied with control signals for adjustment. 
     
     
       12. The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the device that records the images includes an optical measurement system. 
     
     
       13. The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the optical measurement system is a camera system. 
     
     
       14. A method for attachment or introduction of valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings, or embossings in a correct position on or in components of tube pieces, said method comprising the following steps:
 (a) recording images of the components of tube pieces with the attached or introduced valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings, or embossings; 
 (b) electronically determining with a processor positions of the valve or cover sheets, imprints, coatings, or embossings relative to a reference position of the components of the tube pieces; 
 (c) electronically calculating with the processor a deviation of the determined positions from the reference positions, the calculated deviation being based on a number of the tube pieces conveyed during one revolution of a transport belt that transports the tube pieces; and 
 (d) changing the positions of the valve or cover sheets and components of the tube pieces by a value based on the calculated deviation. 
 
     
     
       15. The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the value that is based on the calculated deviation is determined by calculating an average deviation of the determined positions from the reference positions over several determined positions. 
     
     
       16. The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the step of recording the images employs a camera.